About this project

$56,449

pledged of $50,000 goal

348

backers

The Film

Beauty Is Embarrassing is a funny, irreverent, and inspiring documentary chronicling the life and work of one of America’s most important artists, Wayne White.

Raised in the mountains of Tennessee, Wayne White started his career as a cartoonist in New York City. He quickly found success as one of the creators of the TV show, Pee-wee’s Playhouse, which led to more work designing some of the most arresting and iconic images in pop culture. Most recently, his word paintings, which feature pithy and often sarcastic text statements crafted onto vintage landscape paintings, have made him a darling of the fine art world.

Whether he’s parading a twenty foot tall puppet through the Tennessee hillside, romping around the Hollywood Hills dressed in his LBJ puppet suit, relaxing in his studio pickin’ his banjo, or watching his children grow up much too soon, Wayne White always seems to have a youthful grin and a desperate drive to create art and objects. It is an infectious quality that will inspire everyone to find their pleasure in life and pursue it at all costs.

But along the way, Wayne had to learn how to balance family and creativity; making a living and making art; playing the game and being himself. All while confronting all the deeply personal questions, fears, and feelings that plague and inspire any person who wakes up every day, driven to create.

The movie features never before seen footage of the making of Pee-wee's Playhouse, along with new interviews from Matt Groening (The Simpsons), Mark Mothersbaugh (Devo), Paul Reubens, Todd Oldham, Gary Panter, Jonathan Dayton and Valerie Faris (Little Miss Sunshine), and many more.

The Story of Beauty Is Embarrassing

Years in the making, Beauty Is Embarrassing was completed in February of 2012 and premiered at the SXSW film festival in March. In Austin the film played four screenings to packed houses and won praise from the likes of Wired, Variety, the Hollywood Reporter, Ain't It Cool News, and others. An additional screening was added on the last day for being one of the most buzzed about films at the fest. And things have only gotten better.

After SXSW, we took the movie to Hot Docs in Toronto and Full Frame in Durham. The movie won Best Documentary at the Cleveland and Crossroads Film Festivals and the Audience Favorite Award at the Nashville Film Festival (where Wayne himself was presented with...yes...the Governor's Award). In June we'll be screening at Silverdocs Film Fest and at the Los Angeles Film Festival in the beautiful Bing Theater at (where else?) LACMA.

We are very excited that Kickstarter gives us the opportunity to self-distribute Beauty Is Embarrassing theatrically. It is our belief that this is the best way to get the movie out to as many fans as possible and offer them the theater experience that so many have loved. This movie was MADE to be shown to a crowd. We've sat with hundreds - sometimes nearly thousands - of people and felt the energy that comes from a room full of folks gathered to watch Beauty Is Embarrassing. After our screenings, audience members routinely walk up to Wayne with smiles on their faces and tears in their eyes, thanking him for being who he is and doing what he does. And we're convinced that it's the electricity of the theatrical experience that brings out these emotions. Fans are contacting us on a daily basis wanting to know when they can see it in their home town - and we want to bring it to them.

So we're going to put the movie on our backs and do put it out ourselves. We've assembled an incredibly talented group of filmmakers and film marketers and they're chomping at the bit to get started. We have a plan but we need your help. It takes a lot of money to launch a movie into theaters and we feel that Kickstarter provides the perfect opportunity to garner the support we need. Fans of the movie and of Wayne himself understand the message and we know they'll come through for us. When can you see the movie in theaters?

We are currently scheduling a Fall release beginning in September. Our Kickstarter program will end on July 4th, and that will give us 3-4 months to book theaters and do the necessary marketing to have a successful run.

Will it play in your hometown?

Possibly! Right now we are planning a limited release with a short list of major cities in the mix. The cities we are considering are all over the country so hopefully the movie will just be a short drive from where you live. If you have a theater in mind or you happen to book one, give us a shout. Audiences really do have the power.

However, as part of our program we're also offering the special opportunity to host a screening at your local theater. There are two chances to host the film and the second (slightly more expensive) option includes a visit from Wayne White himself. We'll send him out with the film and you'll have him for the night. Dinner and a Q&A after the movie...and believe me, this guy loves to A some Q's.

Are we offering some cool rewards for supporting the program?

Of course! We have a long list of custom rewards and most of them will come personally signed by Wayne White. Along with a DVD copy of the film the list of items also includes...

If you support the movie is there a chance to get some Wayne White art?

One of the questions we've been asked most at festivals is "how can we buy Wayne's art?" Well here's your chance. We will be printing two one of a kind items created by Wayne. Each piece is a limited edition fine art print that will be signed and numbered for authenticity. Here are links to samples of each piece...

Beauty Is Embarrassing Fine Art Print, 36x24

Beauty Is Embarrassing Fine Art Print

Fine Art Silk Screen, 30x30

Also, we are offering a small number of replica LBJ heads. The heads are designed and built by Wayne and one of his assistants. They are exact replicas of the LBJ head that Wayne wears in one of the most memorable scenes of the movie. All you need is a white oxford and some kakhi pants and you're ready for Halloween!

LBJ Replica Mask

Where does the money go?

Getting a movie into theaters and doing the work it takes to fill seats is a costly endeavor. Its one that we believe in so we're going to be doing a ton of work to make sure the movie is a success. The support you give will go to expenses such as...

Kickstarter is not a store.

Pledge $20 or more
About $20

Your chance to chat with Wayne. We will be hosting an online screening of the movie and Wayne will be there to answer your questions. So you "Q" and he'll "A"! And man can this guy "A"! Don't miss this one. Limited availability.

Kickstarter is not a store.

Pledge $25 or more
About $25

Digital download of Wayne White performing 'Blue Ridge Mountain Blues'. If you've seen the movie you know this is an amazing and touching performance. We're very happy to offer it in support of our movie.

Kickstarter is not a store.

Pledge $350 or more
About $350

'Sexy Paintings By Sexy Painters For Sexy People'
A beautiful fine art print. This painting is featured in the movie and will look great on any wall. You'll also get a DVD of the movie, signed book and t-shirt!

Kickstarter is not a store.

Pledge $2,000 or more
About $2,000

Your very own Wayne White designed LBJ puppet head. These are exact replicas of the puppet head Wayne wears in the movie. Guess what you'll be wearing for Halloween this year! Plus, a 'thank you' in the credits of the final picture.

Kickstarter is not a store.

Pledge $5,000 or more
About $5,000

A great way to add a Wayne White to your art collection. Collaborate with Wayne on a custom designed original sketch made personally for you. (11x17, Ink on Paper). Plus, a 'thank you' in the credits of the final picture.

Kickstarter is not a store.

Pledge $7,500 or more
About $7,500

You'll get to host your very own Beauty Is Embarrassing screening in your home town! We will book a theater or screening venue and provide a copy of the movie. We will also provide signed posters, shirts and a BIE silk screen to give out to some of your guests. Plus, a 'thank you' in the credits of the final picture.

Kickstarter is not a store.

Pledge $10,000
About $10,000

Now its time to impress your friends. The reward above plus Wayne White will attend your city's premier. Dinner with Wayne before the screening plus Q&A with the artist after the screening. Plus, a 'thank you' in the credits of the final picture.